Finnish Capture Russian Tula SVT-40 Semi-Auto Rifle 7.62x54r WWII 1941 C&R
SOLD FOR $2,805.00
LSB#: WY241122AS056.1
Make: Tula, Russia
Model: SVT-40
Serial Number: CB851
Year of Manufacture: 1941
Caliber: 7.62x54r
Action Type: Semi-Auto, Fed by Detachable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked with a Finnish capture mark and the serial number, “CB851”. The top of the receiver has the Tula star and the date, “1941”. All serialized parts are non-matched to the receiver. There are several Russian proofs throughout.
Barrel Length: 24” before muzzle brake, 26.75” after muzzle brake
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded post. The rear sight is a “U” notched sliding sight escalator marked from “1-15”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a three piece wood and vented metal handguard with a barrel band/ sling loop, vent holes, finger grooves, through bolt, semi-pistol grip, straight comb, sling loop, and steel buttplate. The stock has been sanded. There are light handling marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP is 13 ?” from the front of the trigger to the buttplate. Overall the stock set rates in Very Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One 10rd magazine in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refurbished
Bore Condition: The bore is Semi-Bright and the rifling is well defined. There is some erosion throughout. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows operation wear, thinning on the leading edges, and general corrosion and oxidation throughout. The screw heads are sharp and pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Magazine.
Our Assessment: The SVT-40 was one of the Russian breadwinners of World War II. With over a million made, it was the Soviet Union’s first major foray into repeating rifle armaments after the long and storied career of the Mosin line of rifles, and would serve as an extra level of firepower for many soviet rifleman squads. This particular rifle was made at the Tula Arsenal in 1941, while the Soviet Union was still reeling from Operation Barbarossa. Working round the clock under the slogan “Everything for the front, Everything For Victory”, the Tula plant would produce this rifle, amongst others, before it was evacuated eastward to avoid the advance of the German 2nd Panzer Division. The SVT-40 would equip Soviet troops throughout World War II before being superseded by newer rifles like the SKS and AK-47. It would also serve in Finnish hands, and was dispersed in limited numbers to other Warsaw Pact countries. The other major conflict to see usage of the SVT-40 was the Korean War, where SVTs were sent to help equip the North Korean army. -R.E.
